• UVB

UVB is very biologically active but cannot penetrate beyond the superficial skin layers. They usually only reach the skin’s epidermis layer. It is responsible for tanning and burning your skin (sunburn), and makes it look darker ; in addition to these short-term effects it enhances skin ageing and significantly promotes the development of skin cancer. UVB can be reflected by glass.

• UVA

The relatively long-wavelength UVA accounts for approximately 95 per cent of the UV radiation reaching the Earth’s surface. It can penetrate into the deeper layers of the skin and breaks down collagen in our skin while releasing  free radicals and causing DNA changes that can result in skin cancer. UVA rays contributes greatly to skin ageing and wrinkling. For a long time it was thought that UVA could not cause any lasting damage. However, recent studies strongly suggest that it may also enhance the development of skin cancers. Unlike UVB Rays, UVA Rays are not reflected by glass and are let through, so even if you’re indoors, UVA rays can still get to you! 

Measuring The Protection Of SPF and PA

• SPF

The numeric value indicates how long the sunscreen will allow you to stay in the sun before experiencing ‘sunburn’ or the darkening of your skin.

For example :

It takes 10 minutes under the sun for Hyuna to experience sun-burn/sun-tan (reddening or darkening of the skin). If Hyuna uses a sunscreen with an SPF 15, it means that Hyuna is able to protect her skin from the sun 15 times longer. Therefore, by using a sun protection of SPF 15, Hyuna is protected for 10 minutes x 15 (SPF) = 150minutes under the sun.

• PA

The PA rating system was developed by Shiseido and has then been used in every Asian sunscreens. It is based on the Persistent Pigment Darkening (PPD) reaction reading after 2-4 hours of sun exposure. PA is a protective level of strength to mark the three PA+, PA++ and PA+++. Theoretically, a sunscreen with a PPD rating of 10 should allow a person 10 times as much UVA exposure as would be without protection (same principle with the SPF example).

For example :

PA+ provides some UVA protection with a factor of PPD 2-4. It protects sensitive skin against low to medium UV radiation.

PA++ provides moderate UVA protection with a factor of PPD 4-8. It offers better protection from UVA rays and can be used by people with normal skin exposed to medium UV radiation.

PA+++ provides good UVA protection with a factor of PPD > 8. It is the strongest grade of UVA protection now available. It is designed for normal skin under very strong or direct UV radiation.

Sources : Skincareclub & WHO

Protect yourself with Wishtrend!

At Wishtrend, we offer a variety of products that offers protection from the sun while providing antioxidants to fight the free radicals released by UVA rays. Highly recommended is the Liz K Color Veil

Developed by famed Korean makeup artist Kim Chung Kyung, the Liz K Color Veil is a sun cream + foundation all packed in one! With an SPF of 50+, it gives you protection against the sun for at least 50 (SPF) x 10 minutes = 500 minutes! It comes with different shades to cater for different skin tones, and can be used by both men and women! The best part is that the Liz K Color Veil is also enriched with celtic water and oligo minerals to give you 24-hours moisture and even contains Vitamin C & E!

Are you plagued with acne problems ? Wishtrend also offers sun protection products for those with acne skin. Introducing the Rojukiss ENCA Acne Control Sun Cream.

Formulated especially for those with sensitive acne skin, the Rojukiss Enca Sun Cream SPF35 PA+++ protects your skin from UV rays and prevents further breakouts while soothing current breakouts. Green tea water and Chamaecyparis obtusa water takes good care of fatigued and sensitive skin due to acne, and herb extract such as Rosemary, Jasmine and Lavender extracts provide skin with moisture and nutrients to keep skin moist,calm and soft.

Looking for a sun cream that’s a little more high tech? Wishtrend has the KLAIR’S Illumination Supple Blemish Cream. With a high sun protection of SPF 40 PA+++, the  KLAIR Illumination Supple Blemish Cream has a lightweight formula that is suitable for all skin types to give you a natural finish with a healthy illuminating complexion while hides all the imperfections of the skin with it’s tinted formula. It is also packed with anti-aging ingredients such as phytocollagen, onion extract, MSM ( Dimethyl Sulfone ), Vegetable Ceramides, Hyaluronic Acid, as well as a blend of both chemical and physical sun filters ( Tinosorb S, Inul MC80, Neo Helion Pan E1000, Titanium Dioxide & Zinc Oxide ). On top of that, KLAIR products are free from artificial coloring, alcohol, parabens and minimal fragrance.

To all the ladies out there, get this for your men and preach to them the importance of sun protection too! Wishtrend also offers sun protection for all the men out there who dreads putting on sun care products. Introducing the Gatzmen Mr Sun 35 with SPF 35 PA++.

Men do need protect themselves from the harmful UV Rays too, but often feel obliged to put on sunscreen because of the sticky, oily factor of sun creams. Fret not, with the Gatzmen Mr Sun 35, sun protection has never been easier and more comfortable. The Gatzmen Mr Sun 35 has a lotion-like texture which gives the skin zero burden and leaves skin moist,  oil-free and fresh!

Last but not least, Wishtrend wishes you all a great summer- and don’t forget to protect your skin from the sun!